Rain delays and cancellations at French Open spark outrage among players

Just a day after rain caused the first complete cancellation of matches since 2000, another damp day resulted in delays and frustration from players.

Slightly more than two hours of play were completed on Tuesday after no play during the morning and several afternoon rain delays. The matches that were completed drew outrage from players for the court conditions.

"I didn't feel safe on court. This is not right to happen," Simon Halep, the No. 6 seed, said, according to USA Today.

"It was impossible to play, in my opinion. And to play tennis matches during the rain, I think it's a bit too much," Halep said.

The No. 2 seed Agnieszka Radwanska was also upset with court conditions. "I'm just so surprised and angry, that, you know, we have to play in the rain," she said. "How can you allow players to play in the rain? I cannot play in those conditions."

During the match between David Goffin and Ernests Gulbis, both players walked off the court, ignoring comments from tournament officials to return to the court, according to USA Today.

Guy Forget, Roland Garros Tournament Director, addressed the issue, "Our aim was to play for as long as possible, even if it meant being criticized for playing in difficult conditions."

"We all know that the weather conditions have been unusual; the last time we saw this was in 1873," Forget said.

Thick clouds remained over Roland Garros on Wednesday; however, drier weather allowed for the most play so far this week.

Overcast skies are expected much of the time through Sunday. Rainfall will be limited to a few passing showers each day, which should help the French Open manage a compact schedule following multiple days of delays and cancellations.

Temperatures will slowly rise from a high near 17 C (63 F) on Thursday and Friday to near 21 C (70 F) on Sunday for the finals.